Want to get a handle on your finances and keep better books? Try these five simple steps. While I’m the geekier math person in our family, I’m still not an impeccable bookkeeper. I’m getting better at it, though. I think part of that is because I love the lady who prepares our tax returns. I […]

This month my friend Crystal and I are “eating from the pantry,” which basically means that we’re focusing on what we already have to build our menus for January. Since I know that my six children can eat a lot and that our family has decided to make some important changes to our diet, I lowered my grocery budget by 33% this month. I’m hoping that I can spend even less than my January allowance of $400, but I also want to set myself up for success. (I hate setting goals that I can’t possibly meet.)

Even though this week straddled the months and the challenge didn’t technically start until today, I allotted myself $100 to spend on groceries, instead of my regular $150. I bought all that is pictured here, mostly fresh produce and dairy products. The prices at Costco and Sprouts were amazing:

Comments

I've decided not to shop until we absolutely need something. I think that's a huge factor in our wasting food. My kids (ok, me too) are used to being able to pop into the store for whatever we want (not need). Hence, when the bananas run out I think I'll wait to buy more until the apples and the perssimonsnare gone. Same thing goes for the veggies.

I'm completely impressed by what you got for $77 plus the low prices on the fresh produce. Can't find that here. This month I started getting cash at the bank to take with me to the grocery store – $225 for 2 weeks. Did a big shopping trip on Monday (28th)and have $47 left for fill-ins (milk). Will use part of that to take advantage of a one day sale at the new grocery in town today; prices just too good to pass up, like milk for $1.80/gal.

I love this idea and will take an inventory of my pantry and join the challenge too! With all the leftovers from the holidays we should be good for a month. Thanks so much for this idea – looking forward to the bundle I'll save this month!

Starting the challenge–I have spent nothing this month. Today we had people over, and served brownies–made with powdered eggs. We had a meatless dinner tonight (mock chicken fried steak) and I used powdered milk as part of the gravy.

Last night we had baked potatoes with dinner, and this morning we had leftover potatoes (we baked 10 pound) that we diced and fried with kechup. We still have 190 pounds of potatoes left in our pantry.

We're committed to not shopping in January; it just isn't in the budget (our income was reduced). Nevertheless, our family of 7 has food to eat; we have fruits and vegeteables in our pantr and freezer, and a few growing in our garden.

Your shopping trip is inspiring. I can't wait to see how I do with the challenge. I'm excited to shop this week as my list is small and I like a good challenge. I'm glad I've decided to blog about this challenge as it will help to keep me more accountable.

Welcome to Life as MOM! I'm FishMama, chief cook and bottle washer around here. I have six kids under 18, and I've lived to tell the tale. Want to know how to make the most out of what you have where you are? You've come to the right place.

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